Continued Radar Use on Kanan Dume Road OKd

The continued use of radar on Kanan Dume Road was approved Tuesday by the county Board of Supervisors after the California Highway Patrol reported that a temporary radar program has reduced injuries and fatalities on the accident-plagued roadway.

Supervisor Mike Antonovich said a radar pilot program, in effect since late 1985, has reduced vehicle speeds and the severity of accidents, although the number of minor accidents did not drop. The board voted 4 to 0, with Supervisor Pete Schabarum absent, to continue the radar program.

Under the enforcement program, 1,967 people were issued tickets and 836 were given verbal warnings.

Antonovich cited a report from the California Highway Patrol showing that in the 12 months from November, 1985, through last month, there were 10 accidents in which injuries occurred and no fatalities. During the same period in 1984-1985 there were 13 accidents that involved injuries, and two other accidents involving fatalities.

The roadway, which was the scene of a quadruple fatality before the program began in 1985, is heavily traveled by commuters and weekend motorists, who use it as an artery between the San Fernando Valley and Malibu.